Work Permits for Qatar

Work permits for Qatar are formally known as Work Residence Permits. All types of visas allow entry into the country and are exchanged for an employment-based residence permit after the holder arrives.

Expats will need to have found a job and a local employer to act as their sponsor before they apply for a work residence permit for Qatar. After the necessary paperwork is completed, the employing sponsor usually takes responsibility for the application and following up on its progress.

Different positions require different documentation but employers usually advise their expat employees on what is specifically needed. Applicants will mainly be responsible for the additional logistics that come with relocation.

Once the work entry visa has been approved, expats can travel to the country with their confirming documents and collect the actual visa at the Qatar airport.

After arriving, the residence permit application process begins immediately. This bit of bureaucracy is also managed by the employing sponsor. Expats only have to bring the requested paperwork overseas with them, and must go for a medical test and fingerprinting upon arrival.

To successfully receive the residence permit, expats cannot leave the country during the time in which their work entry visa is being converted. The processing period is roughly six weeks, but this can vary.

The holy month of Ramadan is a notoriously bad time to apply for entry visas or work permits, as most government offices operate during shorter working hours.

*Visa and work permit regulations are subject to change at short notice and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.

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